presents:
The Prayer Course
A five week journey
through God's Prayer
Exhausted by riding on a roller coaster of religious ups and downs? Want to get rid of spiritual burnout?
Like many others, you may be looking for a healthy religious transformation, both internally and externally. And like many others, you don't know where to start. Many propositions exist out there, you could say in abundance, but structure and methodology often seem non-existent.
If you are like those who are tired of trying many solutions to strengthen themselves spiritually with no success or like those who do not want to sit in a roller coaster of religious ups and downs and be spiritually burnout, then we have created a step by step recipe for you.
If this sounds like a familiar tune in your ears then you have come to the right place.
We will start with from the beginning and climb the ladder together. It all starts with a correct connection with the Almighty.
We have built our trajectory around and on the prayer because, if you do not grow spiritually in your prayer and find your connection with the Almighty in prayer, then you will not sprout anywhere else and nothing will be strong enough to connect with the Almighty.
Our Soul is:
#1. Learn #2. Practice #3. Preach
#1: LEARN
We teach the elements that precede the prayer as well as the knowledge needed during the prayer. We selected the content that will lead towards a transforming prayer.
Get Access to our the Five Times Curriculum
Five Core Channels of Learning
The 99 Names of Allah most High
Knowing the names of Allah will strengthen your prayer because the greater your knowledge is about the One you worship the better you will serve Him with your heart, mind and soul. Your love and awe, respect, gratitude and humility will increase. We will always link these names to prayer.
Tajwid and Tafsir of the Oft Recited Chapters
Correct reading of the Qu'ran is not an option but a duty. Imam ibn al_Jazari said: "Learning Tajwid is mandatory, and he or she who does not recite the Qu'ran according to the rules are sinners." (al_Muqaddima al_Jazariyya). This will be accompanied by the explanation of these verses and chapters.
The Manners and Etiquette of the Prayer
The core of our art of prayer module is undoubtedly discovering the inner dimensions of prayer. Nevertheless, correct prayer is important. That is why we also focus on everything that has to do with a correct prayer and the preparation for a correct prayer, such as the ritual washing.
Prophetic Supplications in Prayer and their Meaning
The Prophetic supplications are transformative. The intention is not to recite these pleas as a parrot, but rather that they settle in your own self, that they transform the way you think, feel and look at the world. In this channel we consider the transforming power of prophetic supplications in prayer. Why do we say this, what do they mean and why do we say certain supplications in a certain position? What is the connection between these words and the attitude in which we find ourselves?
The Art of Delivering Khutab (Sermons)
The khutba is an art. Many imams find it difficult not only to prepare a sermon but also to deliver them. This channel will include preparation of the khutba, it's structure, speech art and communication techniques. We will also look at the methods of leading prayer.
#2: PRACTICE
Here, we consider the spiritual and inner dimensions of prayer which is divided in 3 sections:
The Art of Prayer
This is the heart of Five Times. We look at the obstacles on our way to a transforming prayer and hand over the keys that open the doors to the palace of proximity.
A Journey through Prayer
This is the heart of Five Times. We look at the obstacles on our way to a transforming prayer and hand over the keys that open the doors to the palace of proximity.
Supplications and Salah al_Istikhara
This is the heart of Five Times. We look at the obstacles on our way to a transforming prayer and hand over the keys that open the doors to the palace of proximity.
#3: PREACH
The Friday prayer is followed by a speech that we call the Friday sermon or khutba. It is one of the most important and lucrative moments of the Muslim's life. And so are the two Eid sermons.
The khutba is an art. Many imams find it difficult not only to prepare a sermon but also to deliver it. Hence, we would like to teach the art of giving khutab in the following way:
Here’s what people are saying about our courses
Below you will find testimonials from current students of the Divine Connection course showing how it has helped them increase their connection to Allah most High in their prayers
Abid Abdulkhaliq
Dentist
One of the best investments you will ever make in your entire life
Before the course, I felt distracted, lacking focus and khushoo in my prayer. The main benefit I got out of the course is clarity , motivation, practical steps. My favourite feature is the questions/points to reflect/act upon after each video. In the past I have used books/articles but they are soon forgotten. I would recommend the course to all muslims in the west, as we are too distracted.
Nadia Zwaenepoel
Student
The course has motivated me a lot to pray back in time
Alhamdulillah and to be able to come closer to Allah s.w.t. I would recommend the course to everyone because the lessons are really instructive Masha Allah. Don't hesitate to follow the lessons because you can learn a lot and it 100% helps to get back more spiritual and closer to Allah s.w.t.
Mathilde Van der Velden
Active Pensionner
The course has helped me to be made aware that we are standing in front of our Creator
and that is awe inspiring. But I still need to work on remaining focussed. I would like to tell everyone that buying a snack, a drink and an ice cream is not the solution to reach our main goal but prayer is. Barak Allah feekum for the beautiful site, layout and follow up.
features
The tools that help our students learn & practice
5-10 hours of recorded videos per course
Engaging recorded videos designed to be reviewed and applied over the course of 5 weeks. Since the courses are self-paced, students can spread them over a shorter or longer period as needed. Videos are enhanced with timed text reminders, references to verses and narrations as well as associated short videos and images.
Assessment and Q&A for each lesson
Below each video, students will find engaging questions related to specific points in the lesson and/or activities where students can apply and reflect upon core steps and mindset changes of each lesson. The student can then post their answers, reflections and questions directly below each video lesson where the instructor and other students can reply to.
1-2 hour regular live classes
Through state of the art online live classroom technology that allows the instructor to share presentation slides, answer questions from students via text chat or audio and share the screen to display references to texts or diagrams, students are able to connect with the instructor at specific times that will be communicated to the student in advance. The instructor may broadcast video as well as needed.
Explanatory diagrams and lesson key take aways
Below each video, students will find lesson summaries, references and/or diagrams depending on the lesson topic. References to verses and narrations are often linked to their original reference in the Qu'ran or hadith book
About Five Times Founder,
Imam Van Ael
Currently, he is the imam of Kingston upon Thames mosque in London. He also regularly teaches islamic sciences with a focus on transformation through prayer at multiple venues around the London area. Furthermore, he teaches online to a variety of audiences subjects like tajwid, tafsir and Arabic.
He has been authorized in the 10 qira'at and many books of hadith, and was the first European convert to have been employed by the Government of Jordan as a khatib (Friday sermon deliverer) and Imam at the Ghufran Mosque. He holds a Bachelor in Theology and pre-Master in Islamic Mental health. His works were covered by Al Jazeera and CNN.
What are students saying about Imam Van Ael
Testimonials from students of the Prayer Struggle Course or the Divine Connection Course
Humaira Bajwa
Lawyer
I mainly liked Imam Van Ael's explanation that I'm presenting myself before the King of Kings
...to converse with him. This course is different. It has more practical assistance.
Albertina
Student
I love the teacher's methods, of points and repeating them.
The course is so practical and easy to understand. Plus the comments (from the teacher), I learnt from them as well.
Aamina Van der Velden
Mother
A sublime approach - after having read many books and followed many courses I have never heard it in this way.
It adds such an enormous dimension to the prayer. This changes my mindset from movements to movements and spiritual experience.
Reflections & Reminders
Let's Be Transformed
I prepare myself to speak to the King. But I won’t talk, I’ll praise Him, and mention that He is my lord and the lord of all!
I wait for his reply...
In awe, I hope for Him to turn to me, "My servant praised me!" He said. I feel shy, I can’t just stand there, I want to prostrate, but He has not yet given permission.
Join me with Five Times to climb the ladder, step by step, and slowly become transformed through your prayer and be connected to Allah most High at every moment.
Imam Van Ael